jeanisancey's webcam video May 4, 2011 05:27 AM

Lacura Cosmetics, Interesting!

Hi Everyone,
  Sorry for the looooong silence.  I am having some serious uploading issues.  I have approximately 6 videos I have recorded.  I have tried to upload different ones several times to no avail.  They start uploading, say they will take approximately FIVE HUNDRED minutes to upload and when they get to about 140 minutes left...they fail. Then my power was out for three days, oh the joy.  Once that was back on I began the uphill uploading jaunt again...with the same results.  Last night I FINALLY had a successful upload so here are the details about the products featured in said video:

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dDsRRVqkkU
Lacura Beauty Duo Eyeshadow in 101 Latte Macchiato.  A beautiful swiss chocolate and vanilla eyeshadow duo.  Goes on smoothly, very pigmented and blends easily.  Wears beautifully, no creasing, fading or color changing and stayed on until I removed it.  I didn't have any reactions as far as eye or skin irritations and the product over all was very impressive.  $3.49.  You can't beat that!  As for how the rest of the eye shadows work in the line, I do not know.  Yet...

Lacura Beauty Waterproof Mascara in black.  The first time I used it the formulation felt dry and thin.  After using it again my first impression changed.  The formula was thicker, adhered to the brush and my lashes much better and wore well.  No flaking or clumping.  My only complaint is that it isn't black enough for my taste. $3.49

These cosmetics and skin care products are actually produced specially for Aldi Grocery Stores-
 http://www.aldifoods.com/us/html/product_range/7196_ENU_HTML.htm
This is their introductory statement:
Welcome to Lacura, the gorgeous beauty brand that’s been picking up awards, out-performing big names and causing a storm across Europe. It’s hard-working, feel-good beauty at prices you really won’t believe. 
And here is a link to the cosmetics they carry:
http://www.aldifoods.com/us/html/product_range/7196_8622_ENU_HTML.htm
And their skincare products:
http://www.aldifoods.com/us/html/product_range/7196_7202_ENU_HTML.htm

My Thoughts:
I am very impressed by the range of products they offer, the quality of the eye shadows and somewhat the quality of the mascara and definitely by the value for the prices they charge.  I will definitely be trying more of their products in the VERY near future.  (maybe even today..)  I'll give you a little update if they have any of the products in the store, which ones and if I purchase any I will let you know how they perform.  Go ye to Aldi today!  ;0)

Straight, flat, frizz free, FANTASTIC!

Hello and get ready to be WOW'D!!!!!!  My Daughter and I are "flat out" amazed at this hair straightener.  You see..we've been using a $35 one for over a year now.  It snags our hair, doesn't actually straighten it and leaves behind a mountain of frizz.  So when we got this one we both decided that pin straight was the style for us!  (that may change next week of course but for now it's the do of choice)
Here's the lovely I'm talking about, isn't she cute?:

Ours is purple but they have two other colors, black and blue. The other styles of straighteners they sell come in more colors including but not limited too zebra print.  The "recommended retail price" on the box is $250.  The website (www.herstyler.com) sells it for $170 (it's the Superstyler if you're looking it up) but I found it on Amazon for $149 (  http://www.amazon.com/Herstyler-SuperStyler-PURPLE-Ceramic-Styler/dp/B004PWIZ0Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=beauty&qid=1300373068&sr=8-1).  I know in the video I said $80.99 but that was a different Herstyler.  They have several styles that are less expensive than the superstyler.  I can't give you a review on those though, I'm sorry.

Here's the specs on the Superstyler from their website:


The Superstyler is our latest HerStyler addition to the hair straightening revolution.
Onyx ceramic plates guarantee smooth straightening motion without pulling or breaking of hair.
Hair becomes up to 3 times smoother and silkier than when using ordinary ceramic iron.
True ceramic plates generate 6 times more negative ions than regular ceramic irons.
Cut your hair straightening time in half thanks to a high concentration of negative ions.
Negative ions renew hair with softness and shine, while eliminating frizz.
Ultra lightweight: the body is made of lightweight, high-strength composite materials that are commonly used in the aerospace industry.
Faster heat up time than conventional coil straightening irons.  It will rise to the desired temperature in less than 25 seconds, saving electricity and prolonging the straightener’s lifespan.  
The Superstyler has a built in ON/OFF switch and temperature control dial keeping temperature under your control.
1.5” ceramic plates that reach a max temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit and an ergonomic design that is easier to handle – Designed in Italy with American technology
Includes safety Glove and Matt for ease and protection
Free shipping and handling
Available in three colors (black, blue and purple)


And apparently if you buy it from them you get a FREE one year warranty to where mine only came with a 90 day.   Which is still better than nothing and considering I only paid $13 for it I think that's good.  If I had paid $170 or even $149 I would want AT LEAST a year.  You can buy longer warranties as well.  The 2 year is $19.95 and the 3 year is $34.95.  Not bad to make sure such an investment is protected, right!?  That's a lot better than paying another $170 to get another straightener that works as beautifully as this one!  


So..here's the demo.  Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUA8jZKoWyM

Elizabeth Arden-Like An Old Friend

Good Day to you!  I always feel quite honored when you stop in to read my blog posts.  It really means a lot to me!
**CORRESPONDING VIDEO, PLEASE WATCH**:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BN4Ys6YlmhM
Today I'd like to introduce to you my long time friend, Elizabeth.  She and I go way back.  You see, my Mother introduced me to her when I was about 12 years old and we've been friends since then.  We drifted apart for a few years but we're together again at last!
Of course I'm talking about Elizabeth Arden, the cosmetics company.  Here's a wee bit of history on the woman and the company:

Florence Nightingale Graham (December 31, 1884 – October 18, 1966), who went by the business name Elizabeth Arden, was a Canadian-American businesswoman who built a cosmetics empire in the United States. At the peak of her career, she was one of the wealthiest women in the world.

In 1909 Arden formed a partnership with Elizabeth Hubbard, another culturist. When the partnership dissolved, she coined the business name "Elizabeth Arden" from her former partner and from Tennyson's poem "Enoch Arden".

In 1912 Arden travelled to France to learn beauty and facial massage techniques used in the Paris beauty salons. She returned with a collection of rouges and tinted powders she had created. In an era when it was generally only acceptable for entertainers to wear makeup, Arden introduced modern eye makeup to North America. She also introduced the concept of the "makeover" in her salons.

Arden collaborated with A. Fabian Swanson, a chemist, to create a "fluffy" face cream. The success of the cream, Venetian Cream Amoretta, and corresponding lotion, Arden Skin Tonic, led to a long-lasting business relationship. This revolutionized cosmetics, bringing a scientific approach to formulations. Other innovations included creating foundations that matched a person's skin tone; creating the idea of the "Total Look" in which lip, cheek, and fingernail colors matched or coordinated; and the first to make a cosmetics commercial shown in movie houses.

During World War II, Arden recognized the changing needs of the American woman entering the work force. She showed women how to apply makeup and dress appropriately for careers outside the home. She created a lipstick called Montezuma Red, for the women in the armed forces that would match the red on their uniforms. 

In recognition of her contribution to the cosmetic industry, she was awarded the Légion d'Honneur by the French government in 1962.

Arden died in New York City in 1966 and was interred in the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Sleepy Hollow, New York under the name Elizabeth N. Graham. (taken from a Wikipedia article-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Arden)

When I was young my Mother used to use Elizabeth Arden products and one of my all time favorite perfumes is Red Door by this company.  It reminds me of so many good things from my past including my wedding day.  

Recently I found the EA counter in my local Dillard's store and had some money my Mother had given me for my Birthday.  The sweetest most genuine little woman from Jerusalem was working.  She spent well over 30 minutes talking with us, showing us things (but not pushing to buy), explaining in great detail how they work and about the company and gave us several hefty samples of some of their most expensive products.  She even said if she ever retires she would call me to take her job.  WOW!  What a dream that would be for me.  *sigh*

The first thing she showed us is the Ceramide capsules. (there is one for the face and another for the eyes) Here's what the package claims:

Pure, potent, intensive single dose capsules. Our innovative CLX Complex delivers the restorative power of Ceramides and essential lipids to help strengthen skin's barrier against the visible signs of time.

- Visibly improves skin tone and clarity.

- Supports skin's own natural collagen levels for a firmer, more resilient look.

- Works to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

- Retexturizes skin for a noticeably softer, smoother look.

- Fragrance, preservative and emulsifier free.

To open capsules twist tab around twice. 

I've been using them for five days now and I really feel they are amazing.  My skin feels a little firmer, smoother and definitely softer!  I am considering purchasing them even though they are a bit on the pricey side.  (maybe I should have asked for them for my Birthday..too late.) The ones for face and throat are $58 for a two month supply and the eye formulation is $52 for two months.  Pricey but not out of sight in my opinion.

The next thing she showed us was the Prevage serum.  Here are the claims on the packaging:

PREVAGE® transforms anti-aging skincare with advanced Idebenone technology, the most powerful antioxidant available today* with an EPF® rating of 95. Re-engineered to help create a reserve within the skin to release protective and corrective benefits when and where needed most. Measurably diminishes the appearance of lines, wrinkles, minor scars, redness, age spots and sun damage so skin looks younger than ever.

PREVAGE® Face addresses major skincare concerns with proven results:

- Fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and discolorations appear reduced.

- Redness and minor scars and existing sun damage look minimized.

- Skin looks firmer and more radiant.

I have also been using this for five days and I can honestly say the appearance of the discolorations on my face from acne scarring/hyper pigmentation has faded some.  You apply this cream in the morning and top it with your normal moisturizer.  The only thing I don't like about this product is the price...$155 for a 7 month supply.  I realize it's for 7 whole months but I just can't shell out that much money at once.  But oh how I would love to because I think it would really work to help the my skin's appearance and in turn I wouldn't have to use such a full coverage foundation.  Maybe one day....there's always Christmas!  LOL

The item I actually went to the counter FOR is this:

It's a skin protectant, moisturizer, glosser and more.  A lot of MUA's use it to "glossify" a model's skin, eye lids, lips etc.  You can use it to keep your brows in place, for your dry elbows, feet, hands etc.  I actually ended up getting a promotional package that contained the original cream, a hand cream and a lip treatment all for $25.  And they are all full size products! In the video I show you what it looks like and more.  Hopefully this was helpful to some of you who are searching for something to help your skin.  Thank you for stopping in today!

To Shape a Brow

Well, here it is.  The requested brow tutorial.  Actually this is the first of two.  This one is about the tools you need as well as how to figure out what shape you're going for.  The next will be on how to actually get them to that shape through tweezing etc.
Video-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-g7m7Qji_5I
The items I go over in the video are as follows:
Tweezers (mine are by Revlon)
Fill in product of your choice (I use NYC Browser Duo which is powder and wax with an angled eyeliner type brush.)

This comes in several different colors.

This one is by Lauren Luke

You can use a brow pencil, brow cream product or even just an eyeshadow in your shade.
Eyebrow Stencils-I have some by Ardell that I picked up at Sally's Beauty Supply.  I had another brand but I must've given them away..

A brow highlighting product of some sort to give you a wee little "lift" there.  I sometimes use the Anastasia brow highlighting pencil.

There are so many many things that factor into making your eyebrows look great.  This is a VERY general explanation for those who are just starting out and really don't have a clue where to begin.  One thing to remember when trying to learn how to make your eyebrows the shape you want them is they are Sisters, not twins.  Meaning they will look somewhat alike but most likely, unless you are completely drawing them on, never look exactly the same.  That's ok, it's natural.

Another thing to keep in mind is that it can be somewhat of a daunting task at first and takes a bit of practice to start getting them the way you want them.  Mine are at about stage 3 of getting to the point where I like the look of them and the shape.  Out of all the things I have learned and am studying, brows are one of the more difficult to master.  BUT they are also one of the main focal points of the face and it's very important that you do learn at least the basics of shaping and filling in.  They really do frame the face.  A lovely brow with a little bit of mascara and lip gloss can make you look more rested, put together and alive.  So together we can figure out this puzzle that are eyebrows.  Good luck!

Wake up little Susie...

Or Barb or Nicole or Melissa...whatever your name may be, here are some tips to help your face appear more awake on those days when you feel and look like you could have stayed in bed for two more days, I mean hours. Here's a little video for you describing them in detail.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAsCzSA4Tx4

Our eyes and skin seem to take on a dark appearance when we are tired or not feeling well.  Dark as in shadowed, not tanned.  If that were the case people would want to be tired all the time.  Ahem..ha ha.  Our lips, however, tend to turn pale in these instances.  So we will start off brightening those tired eyes:
1. A light/white/bright color applied to the inner corner of the eye, also considered the tear duct area, helps to draw light into that space and dispell the dark shadows that tend to hover there when we are tired/sick.

2. A brightening under eye concealer helps to remove the dark shadow from underneath the eye.  I use Revlon Age Defying Concealer in the color Light.  It stays in place, doesn't cake up and is brightening without making it look "white".

3. Either a flesh toned or white eye liner pencil applied to the lower water line does wonders for making the whites of your eyes appear whiter and brighter.  I prefer a flesh tone but it's a personal preference.  I use the Anastasia Brow Highlighting pencil for that as opposed to on my brow bone which is what it was intended for.  You can buy a white lining pencil in almost any brand including but not limited to NYC.  You can also use a pale yellow color which is quite lovely!

4. Eye lash curler.  Let's curl those droopy lashes ladies!  It really really does open up the eye and make it appear more "awake".  Lashes hanging down in your eye draws the own down and makes it seem more "closed" and sleepy.

On to the face.  We tend to look "dull" when we are tired/sick so a nice highlighting powder or cream (if you have dry skin I recommend the latter and vice versa for us oily girls).  In the video I show you the best places to apply that highlight to draw light into the face and make yourself appear more "alive" as opposed to putting it in the "wrong" places and appearing oilier.  I use a Mac Mineralized Skin Finish in the color Soft and Gentle.  Physician's Formula makes a nice one called a "Shimmer Strip" that comes in different shades and those are available at most drug stores.  They are a little more pricey than your regular "drug store buy", or for my friends from the UK, "high street brand" but still much less expensive than Mac.  And they are just as lovely.

And lastly the lips.  I don't know about you but I tend to go white in the lip area when I'm tired and/or sick.  Not a pretty look on anyone.  I like to use something that is just the same color as my natural lip color to bring the color back.  I used Covergirl's Lipslick in Bronze Goddess which is just a tinted lip balm.  Very natural.

And now that we are all looking wide awake, here's a few photos so you can see these products in action!
 And believe me I was tired today!

Rev up your natural/neutral look FAST

Konnichiwa!  (that means Hello in Japanese)  I'm glad you're here.  I have filmed and uploaded sort of a "part two" to the neutral/natural look I filmed a few days ago.  Have you ever heard your Husband/Boyfriend say "hey honey, let's go out for dinner!" on one of those days when you've done the bare minimum with your hair and make up not to mention your "outfit" is anything but an outfit?  And of course he's already on his way home from work and has been as such for the past 20 minutes...uh oh.

Or how about at the last minute, when you thought you were just staying in for the umpteenth night in a row, putting the kids to bed and hoping to find a little entertainment with a netflix movie?    Needless to say you're probably looking anything but cute and BAM, your friend texts and says "HEY, I have a babysitter for you and I wanna take you out for sushi. I'll be there in 30 minutes!"  WHAT! you say.  My hair is standing on end, I have eyeliner smeared under my eyes and I'm wearing polka dot jammy pants and my silk shirt from work today.  I can't go anywhere!  Yes, yes you can.  And this video will help you with at least your make up, your hair and clothes....well, you're on your own there.  He he he.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T__3S0L5hoA

In the video I start off wearing a minimal amount of make up, something you might wear just on a daily basis while running errands and whatnot.  Or it's just your daily, natural look.  Then we take it up a notch to a look that's more suitable for going out to dinner or to church or just anytime you want to wear "a little something more".  And we do it quickly.  It's a little slower in the video than it actually takes of course because I'm talking to you and stopping to show you things.  But in real life this "revving" would take me about 5 minutes.  So go ahead, go for sushi!  Tell your Husband/Boyfriend "SURE, we can go out honey!"  because you've got the quick fix for that dead or just not too exciting make up.
Here is what I used in the video:
Eyes-
Mac 217 brush for the crease color
Matte dark brown color in the E.L.F Beauty Encyclopedia Neutral's Edition palette (Target, $5) in the crease and under the eye. Eco Tools smudger brush for under the eye.
Covergirl Outlast Smoothwear All Day Eyeliner in Onyx
L'oreal Voluminous mascara in Carbon Black

Brows-NYC Browser in Brunette

Cheeks-
Motives Shape and Sculpt Duo (it doesn't have a "color" on it) to contour
Mac Mineralized Skin Finish in Soft and Gentle for highlighting (a good dupe for this is by Hard Candy, you can get that brand at Walmart and they have a powder that looks almost exactly like this one I showed you in the video)
Blush (already on from previous video) was Laura Gellar Blush-N-Brighten in Pink Grapefruit on the apples of the cheeks

Lips-
Revlon Velvet Chrome lipstick in Garnet Chrome-if you have a problem with your lipstick feathering outside your lip line you can use a lip liner in the same shade as your lipstick or the same color as your natural lip color to help build a barrier to keep your lipstick in the lines)

I am very sorry that I don't have any still shots of either, I don't know what took over my brain.  I completely forgot to take pictures!  Please forgive me, I'll remember next time.  If you have any questions at all please leave me a comment and I'll do my best to help.  Have fun!

Nicole